Regular dental checkups are crucial for patients to maintain good oral health. By visiting your dentist twice a year, you can receive important tips on how to take care of your smile at home. To make the process smoother for both you and your dental team, there are several things you can do during your biannual dental visits. Continue reading to discover four useful tips that will help these checkups go as smoothly as possible.
Tip #1: Figure Out Your Financials
Typically, dental insurance plans include coverage for two preventive treatments annually, as well as partial coverage for restorative and emergency treatments. However, if you don’t have insurance coverage, it’s important to plan how you’ll pay for your treatment prior to attending your appointment.
You can find several dental practices that provide financing options through companies such as CareCredit. By signing up for this service, you can make flexible payments with little or no interest, rather than paying for the entire treatment upfront. Additionally, some dentists offer in-house membership plans that can also help reduce treatment costs.
Tip #2: Make Sure to Brush and Floss
Although most people know the importance of brushing and flossing daily, they often don’t prioritize it until their next dentist visit. However, if you’ve just recently started taking care of your oral health, your dentist will be able to notice.
To maintain good oral hygiene, it’s crucial to spend two minutes brushing your teeth in the morning and at night using a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your teeth. Additionally, flossing once each day will help remove as much plaque as possible. To ensure that you’re flossing correctly, consider researching the right technique.
Tip #3: It’s Polite to Be on Time
Dentists typically have busy schedules, performing various tasks from preventive checkups to restorative and cosmetic treatments. Therefore, it’s crucial to be on time for your appointment to demonstrate your respect for their schedules.
Additionally, arriving on time can expedite your appointment and enable you to leave promptly. For new patients, it’s recommended to arrive at least 10 to 20 minutes early to allow sufficient time to complete paperwork without cutting into your appointment time.
Tip #4: Provide an Update on Your Status and Ask Questions
When you last visited your dentist, did you have any persistent dental health concerns? If yes, it’s essential to inform them of any updates. Also, if you have diabetes or any other health conditions that might impact your oral health, do inform your dentist. It will enable them to make necessary adjustments to your treatment to better suit your condition.
About the Practice
Collinsville Dental Associates provides quality dental care to patients, focusing on ensuring healthy and aesthetically pleasing smiles. They administer preventive dental checkups and cleanings to help patients avoid oral health problems. Moreover, their skilled team of dental professionals utilizes state-of-the-art technology and techniques to provide a wide range of services, including cosmetic and restorative procedures, to enhance the appearance and function of your teeth. They also offer guidance and can give you recommendations on maintaining proper dental hygiene. To learn more or to book an appointment with Collinsville Dental Associates, visit their website or call (276) 647-1494.